| e knowledge may help you avoid a real pain in the | | | | Thyroid disease can take several forms. Hashimoto's |
| neck. Understanding the sometimes subtle symptoms | | | | thyroiditis, the most common thyroid disease in the U.S.; |
| of a thyroid condition can help you get the treatments | | | | hyperthyroidism, which develops when the body is |
| you need before the situation can grow serious. | | | | exposed to too much thyroid hormone; hypothyroidism, |
| You may be at risk for thyroid disorder if you're: | | | | or underactivity of the thyroid gland; thyroid cancer; and |
| 1. Female. Hypothyroidism and hyperthyroidism are far | | | | thyroid nodules, or lumps in or on the thyroid gland. Any |
| more prevalent in women than in men. | | | | of these can become serious. |
| 2. Over 60. Thyroid disease can strike at any time, but | | | | Symptoms can include: |
| the risk increases with age. | | | | • Fatigue |
| 3. Caucasian. Concentrations of thyroid antibodies | | | | • Forgetfulness |
| suggest the presence of autoimmune disease in 14.3 | | | | • Difficulty with learning |
| percent of whites, 10.9 percent of Hispanic Americans | | | | • Hair and nails that don't grow properly |
| and only 5.3 percent of African Americans. | | | | • Dry, itchy or delicate skin |
| 4. Someone with a family history of thyroid disease. | | | | • Puffy face |
| Up to 50 percent of first-degree relatives are at risk. | | | | • Bowel problems |
| 5. Pregnant. Women with autoimmune diseases in their | | | | • Increased sensitivity to many medications |
| family are at increased risk for developing thyroid | | | | • Rapid or irregular heartbeat |
| problems during and after pregnancy. | | | | • Nervousness, anxiety or irritability |
| 6. Someone who consumes too little or too much | | | | • Trembling hands |
| iodine. | | | | • Unexplained weight loss or gain |
| 7. Exposed to large amounts of radiation, especially | | | | • Intolerance of heat or cold |
| during childhood. | | | | • Muscle weakness or soreness. |
| 8. A smoker. Studies show a confirmed association | | | | An endocrinologist, a doctor who specializes in glands, |
| between smoking and thyroid disease. | | | | may be best able to determine if you have a thyroid |
| 9. On certain medications such as lithium and | | | | disease and the best treatment. This can include |
| amiodarone. | | | | medication, surgery or radiation. |